Not too long ago some research from Europe showed that dietary calcium could inhibit the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. The amount of fat excreted was statistically significant.
But the question remains, can supplementing with calcium really make that big of a difference?
If only fat loss could be packaged in a pill? But it's not. The truth is, the amount of extra fat excreted with additional calcium intake will not have a huge effect on fat loss. And one has to be careful with the idea of blocking fat absorption.
You see, certain fats are critical so that your body has the building blocks to produce key hormones.
And you also have to pay attention to the following dangers of high calcium intakes:
1. Compromised iron assimilation. Taking a high amount of one nutrient usually has an effect on another nutrient. And this is the case with calcium and iron. Now remember that iron is critical for maintaining energy levels. Why? Because it helps transport oxygen throughout your body. Without oxygen there is no life.
2. Net negative calcium levels. Ironically, taking calcium in the antacid form can accelerate the loss of calcium and leave you with levels that are lower than before. So try to get calcium from other types of supplements, and if possible, from whole food sources.
3. Painful stones. Kidney stones are not fun by any stretch of the imagination. And if you have a history here, then calcium supplementation should be done under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
4. Overdose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is the new kid on the block. Everyone under the sun is recommending high intakes of Vitamin D, even Harvard University researchers. HOWEVER, too much of anything is bad for you. If you already have a high amount of Vitamin D in your diet, taking a calcium supplement which is usually fortified with Vitamin D could put you over the top.
Supplements do have their place in any prudent and effective fat loss plan. However, keep in mind that optimal nutrition is NOT accomplished by merely putting a vitamin or mineral into your body. The best approach here is to get nutrients from natural sources.
But the question remains, can supplementing with calcium really make that big of a difference?
If only fat loss could be packaged in a pill? But it's not. The truth is, the amount of extra fat excreted with additional calcium intake will not have a huge effect on fat loss. And one has to be careful with the idea of blocking fat absorption.
You see, certain fats are critical so that your body has the building blocks to produce key hormones.
And you also have to pay attention to the following dangers of high calcium intakes:
1. Compromised iron assimilation. Taking a high amount of one nutrient usually has an effect on another nutrient. And this is the case with calcium and iron. Now remember that iron is critical for maintaining energy levels. Why? Because it helps transport oxygen throughout your body. Without oxygen there is no life.
2. Net negative calcium levels. Ironically, taking calcium in the antacid form can accelerate the loss of calcium and leave you with levels that are lower than before. So try to get calcium from other types of supplements, and if possible, from whole food sources.
3. Painful stones. Kidney stones are not fun by any stretch of the imagination. And if you have a history here, then calcium supplementation should be done under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
4. Overdose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is the new kid on the block. Everyone under the sun is recommending high intakes of Vitamin D, even Harvard University researchers. HOWEVER, too much of anything is bad for you. If you already have a high amount of Vitamin D in your diet, taking a calcium supplement which is usually fortified with Vitamin D could put you over the top.
Supplements do have their place in any prudent and effective fat loss plan. However, keep in mind that optimal nutrition is NOT accomplished by merely putting a vitamin or mineral into your body. The best approach here is to get nutrients from natural sources.
About the Author:
Highly regarded author, Katherine Crawford, a Harvard exercise physiologist and former flabby arms refugee, instructs women on how to get rid of arm fat. Learn how to get sexy arms by exploring her blog about how to get toned arms now!
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